Volunteer HSP Community Support Assistant - Fairfield

About the Volunteer Community Support Assistant

The Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) supports refugees from the moment they arrive at the airport. Upon arrival, SSI’s HSP team provides essential support and information to assist refugees to gain independence and build strong connections in their new communities. 

When and commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week for at least 3 months. (Weekdays)

What you will do

Volunteer Community Support Assistants build on the case management support offered to HSP clients by providing language support, guiding access to local services, support with life skills development, local community linkages and building social networks. Additional duties may include assisting staff with office administration.

  • Assist clients to access key services and attend scheduled appointments
  • Link clients with appropriate social and cultural groups and/or meaning activities
  • Assist with community area orientation and life skills support as needed 
  • Assist clients to learn how to use public transport and opal card
  • Assist staff and clients through office tasks as directed by SSI staff, example: welcoming clients to the office, prepare relevant documents and conduct calls for appointments.
  • Actively support SSI’s vision and values
  • Work in accordance with SSI policies and procedures
  • Follow all reasonable directions provided by HSP Team Leader or delegate

 

Essential

 

  • Excellent social skills with a friendly and welcoming nature
  • Excellent communication and intercultural skills
  • Proficient in Arabic, Dari and/or other Afghan language), Farsi, Swahili, Tibetan or Ukrainian
  • Available to volunteer for a minimum 4 hours a week
  • Good ability to use Microsoft word, photocopier and make phone calls
  • Flexibility in performing a range of tasks
  • Ability to use public transport and navigate around Western Sydney
  • Willingness to support elderly clients and/or clients with varied levels of abilities

Desirable

  • Previous experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

All volunteers have the responsibility to:

  • Actively support SSI’s vision and values
  • Work in accordance with SSI policies and procedures
  • Follow all reasonable directions provided by HSP Team Leader or delegate

 

Reimbursement

 

Volunteers will have access to reimbursement for all pre approved expenses including reasonable travel expenses. Volunteers using their own vehicle will need to provide SSI with photocopies of their driver’s licence, comprehensive car insurance and current car registration.

 

Training

 

Volunteers will be provided with access to SSI’s flexible, extensive and innovative training program.